A guide to the best restaurants in Oia

Most people choose Oia for holidays to Santorini thanks to its panoramic views of the Aegean Ocean and world-famous sunsets. Here’s a little secret for you – the food is just as phenomenal. The people of Oia are friendly, welcoming and proud of their local cuisine. Whether you choose seafood, meze, meats or salad, expect all the food to be fresh and homemade. Most restaurants offer traditional Greek food at its best and – from the upmarket dining experience at 1800 to the homely feel of Roka – the small town caters for all budgets.

Fine dining at 1800

Housed in a restored, authentic captain’s house, 1800 offers exquisite gourmet Mediterranean dishes in a classy yet relaxing environment. The restaurant’s interior decor mirrors the elegance of the minimalist menu, while upstairs you can dine under the stars in the rooftop garden with views of the Caldera and volcano. Stunning building, stunning food.

Romantic dining at Ambrosia

Ambrosia has a reputation for being the most romantic restaurant in Oia, if not the whole of Santorini. The menu is flawlessly balanced with seafood, Mediterranean meat dishes and vegetarian specialities. The two small terraces with ocean views are both tranquil and dreamlike.

Find refuge at cosy Karma

Tucked away from the main street and sunset crowds, nestled in a charming courtyard brimming with flowers and trees, Karma is one of Oia’s best-kept secrets. Offering traditional Greek-inspired cuisine in a charming setting, the restaurant’s attentive and friendly staff will ensure you have a memorable evening.

Unpretentious, traditional Greek dishes at Roka

Located just off the main marble walkway bordering the Caldera, Roka offers exceptional Greek cuisine alongside paper tablecloths and napkins. With no fancy frills, this one is all about the food and brings together the traditional flavours of holidays to Greece.

Fresh seafood at Katina

Katina is located in the port of Amoudi Bay found 213 steps below Oia. All of the seafood arrives straight off the boat each morning and is charged by the kilo after being weighed in front of you. The menu also offers a variety of meze options including the popular tomato keftedes – listed as fried melted tomatoes in English.

Great Greek food at Lotza

Perched on the cliff edge, with beautiful views of Oia from the patio, Lotza offers a large typically Greek menu with delicious fish, meat and vegetarian options. Offering daily specials, Lotza also boasts some of the best baklava and ice cream on Santorini. And free Wi-Fi.

Spectacular views at Skala

Located on the main street in Oia, the predominant attraction at Skala is the uninterrupted views of the Caldera. Not only does the restaurant enjoy the biggest terrace in town, but the menu is vast too with traditional Santorinian specialities featuring heavily.

Best ice cream at Lolita's Gelato

Santorini holidays are the perfect opportunity to enjoy some sublime desserts, completely guilt-free of course! This family-run gelato in the centre of Oia offers fresh ice creams and sorbets, all of which are made in-house. Despite its central location, Lolita’s Gelato has maintained reasonable prices and continues to offer impeccable service.

A taste of Thai at Paradox

Paradox is the only Thai restaurant and bar in Oia. With a casual, laid-back vibe, expect to find authentically cooked Asian dishes including Thai curries and sushi – and a few dirty burgers thrown in for good measure.

Pizza at Skiza Cafe

This endearing two-storey taverna enjoys panoramic views of Oia. You can find all of your favourite Greek treats, baked in-house and fresh daily, and a delicious pizza menu.